Characteristic Rolling Landscape

Štrigova lies in the far north-west of Međimurje, the small region of Croatia between the Mura and Drava rivers, and it belongs to the part of the county that rises into gentle hills, known locally as the gorice. These hills form a wine-growing district on the border with Slovenia, very different from the flat plain that covers most of Međimurje, and the way the land rolls from ridge to ridge is the most striking thing about the area. The aim of a visit here is not to see any one monument but to drive, cycle or walk slowly through a landscape shaped by centuries of farming.

The slopes are covered with vineyards laid out in neat rows, with wooden or stone cellar houses called klijeti dotted among them. These small buildings, often with a steep roof and a tiny porch, were traditionally used for pressing and storing wine and for the owner's rest during the work. Between the vineyards are orchards, meadows and patches of oak and beech woods, and on the ridges there are farmhouses and villages with spired churches. The mix of crops and woodland gives the hills a patchwork pattern that changes with the season: green and lush in spring, golden and red in autumn after the grape harvest, bare and frosty in winter.

The landscape is closely tied to wine. Međimurje is one of the main wine regions of continental Croatia, and the cool nights and sunny slopes favour fresh, aromatic white wines, including Pušipel, Rhine Riesling, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as well as sparkling wines and a few reds. Family producers around Štrigova welcome visitors to taste in their cellars, and the area has marked wine roads that link the cellars and viewpoints. A glass of wine and a plate of local cured meat and cheese on a terrace overlooking the vineyards is the classic way to enjoy the scenery.

Other points of interest are close by. The viewing tower on the hill of Mađerkin breg gives a wide panorama over the hills and across the border, and two castles, called Banfi and Tkalec in this guide, add historical interest. Štrigova has a pilgrimage church dedicated to Saint Jerome, whom local tradition associates with the village.

The best seasons are spring, when the vines turn green and flowers cover the meadows, and autumn, when the harvest and the colours attract photographers. Roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and watch out for cyclists. If you plan wine tastings, arrange a driver. The area suits drivers, cyclists, walkers, wine lovers and anyone who enjoys slow travel through a gentle landscape.